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The Herald
03-06-2025
- General
- The Herald
Cape Town runner dies after tree falls on her during race
' We confirm she was conscious at the time of the incident, but despite medical attention, later succumbed to her injuries in hospital. 'We reassure the public that all safety protocols, as required by the City of Cape Town, were in place and adhered to throughout the event. This is the first such incident in the 13-year history of the Slave Route Challenge and it is being regarded as a tragic and unforeseen occurrence.' The organisers extended condolences to the runner's family and loved ones. According to the organisers, the Slave Route Challenge is an event rooted in history, community and resilience. The city expressed its condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the runner. It said c ity officials and emergency services were alerted to an incident along Government Avenue where an oak tree unexpectedly fell, obstructing the route and seriously injuring a participant. TimesLIVE
News24
02-06-2025
- General
- News24
Runner dies after being struck by a tree
A woman died after being hit by a tree during the Slave Route Challenge this weekend. The 13th annual challenge took place on Sunday in Cape Town. Brewer, one of the organisers, said they are supporting the family in every way possible while also cooperating fully with the relevant authorities. A woman runner has tragically died after a tree unexpectedly fell in the Company's Garden area during the 13th annual Slave Route Challenge on Sunday in Cape Town. The incident happened while the woman was participating in the popular road race with 8 000 runners. The race aims to promote health, fitness, community participation and heritage awareness. Slave Route Challenge organiser Zarina Meyer Brewer said: 'It's a celebration of diversity and unity while also honouring the city's complex history, particularly the legacy of slavery in Cape Town'. According to Brewer, the incident happened during the 10- kilometre race along Government Avenue in the Company's Garden area, a historic public precinct in the heart of Cape Town. A tree unexpectedly fell on the route, striking the participant. Brewer added that despite the swift response of emergency services and transferring the victim to the hospital, the runner sadly passed away. The Company's Garden and its surrounding public spaces fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Cape Town, which is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the area. Regarding the possibility of compensating the family of the deceased, Brewer said they are focusing on supporting the family in every way possible while also cooperating fully with relevant authorities. Any compensation discussions are private and sensitive and will be handled respectfully through the proper channels. Although 8000 people took part in the event across all race categories, Brewer said the completion numbers are still being consolidated, even though many registered participants completed their respective distances. According to Brewer, the Slave Route Challenge is more than a sports event; it is a cultural and commemorative annual road running and walking event that includes multiple distances, typically a 21.1km half marathon, a 10km run/big walk and a 5km fun run/walk to make it accessible to people of all fitness levels and ages. In this year's challenge, runners ran through landmarks that tied to the city's history of slavery and resilience, from the Slave Tree, District Six, Bo-Kaap, to Pentz Street, fondly dubbed 'Koesister Hill' in the Bo Kaap.
